The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) is highlighting key skills for the temperature-controlled supply chain of the future, as it supports World Refrigeration Day. Emerging technologies, changing populations and increasing pressures on food supply chains over the coming decades will necessitate new skills alongside those applied today.

GCCA is an official Ally of World Refrigeration Day, which takes place on June 26 each year. The World Refrigeration Day theme for 2025 is ‘Cool Skills’, celebrating the range of temperature-control industry skills that make modern life possible.

GCCA represents temperature-controlled storage, logistics, and construction companies from around the world.  Building a future-ready workforce is a strategic priority of the GCCA.

Two key programs that educate and train the temperature controlled workforce are: Cold Chain Institute, delivered by GCCA’s Global Cold Chain Foundation; and the CEBA Professional Certificate, delivered by the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA). Cold Chain Institute is unique, multi-year, specialist educational program for temperature-controlled logistics professionals in the United States, Latin America, Brazil, Australia and Europe. The CEBA Professional Certificate is an immersive training course for building and construction professionals in the temperature-controlled industry, which trains on a variety of topics including refrigeration. 

“Around the world, the cold chain offers stable careers for today and for the future. The industry continues to grow sustainably and roles range across engineering, operations, compliance, sustainability, logistics, and many other specialties. Temperature-controlled logistics is a varied and fulfilling career choice for people who are solutions-focused and embrace innovation. GCCA’s education and training programs offer opportunities for professional development and continued growth and investment in our cold chain workforce,” said GCCA President & CEO, Sara Stickler.

Over the coming decades we can expect global food supply chain resilience to become increasingly dependent on temperature-controlled logistics, particularly as populations face disruptions as a result of geopolitical uncertainties, fast changing populations, and changing weather patterns. Skill areas such as data analysis, automation management, energy efficiency and the development and operation of AI-driven systems will be increasingly important to the cold chain of the future. On World Refrigeration Day we recognize and celebrate the refrigeration professionals that support the cold chain. These critical roles keep our supply chain functioning and safe through their work and contributions. We take seriously our role in educating and training “cool skills” and our Institute and CEBA Professional Certification are two great examples of continuing professional development.”

About the GCCA
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) represents all major industries engaged in temperature-controlled warehousing, logistics and transportation. GCCA unites all partners to be innovative leaders in the movement of perishable products globally.